There’s a wide range of uses for X-ray microscopes, but not to worry, the Excedr lease program can source all instrument types and can accommodate any brand preferences you might have. Contact us today and see how leasing can discount your STXM’s price.

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation made up of X-radiation. More simply put X-rays are high energy waves that are invisible to the human eye but interact in very specialized ways with matter. The most well-known usage of X-rays is in the medical world where they are used to image a person’s bones. X-rays are defined as having wavelengths of .01 to 10 nanometers (nm). X-rays are further subdivided into soft X-rays and hard X-rays depending on their wavelengths. Hard X-rays are typified as having high energy and relatively longer wavelengths of around .2 to .1 nm. Soft X-rays on the other hand, have lower energy and longer wavelengths of around 10 nm. Hard X-rays’ shorter, higher energy properties make it good for penetrating objects making them useful for things like medical radiography and airport security. Soft X-rays are found in finding crystal structures in crystallography.

Due to their penetrative properties, X-rays are very useful for imaging and specifically microscopy. X-ray microscopy uses electromagnetic radiation found in soft X-rays to produce magnified images of objects that would otherwise not be visible to the human eye. First, the object is shot with an X-ray beam and the soft X-ray photons strike the sample. X-rays do not reflect or refract so a charged coupled device detector or exposed film must be used to pick up the X-rays as they pass through the sample. The X-rays that are collected are analyzed and a magnified image is produced. A major advantage that X-ray microscopes have over conventional microscopes is that, due to the penetrative properties of X-rays, biological samples can be imaged with minimal preparation and in their natural state. Additionally, due to their wavelengths being shorter than visible light, X-ray microscopes have higher resolution than normal optical microscopes.

X-Ray Microscope Methods, Techniques, & Costs

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) MicroscopesUsing high energy X-rays or gamma rays, XRF microscopes are able to analyze the secondary, or fluorescent, X-rays that are excited by the sample. These secondary emissions can then be analyzed to produce an image. When the gamma rays strike molecules they will fluoresce at specific energies, allowing for elemental image analysis. This technique also gives the user depth control along with horizontal and vertical aiming control. Advanced models are able to analyze and image multiple elements at once.

3D X-Ray MicroscopesOther than electron microscopes, most conventional microscopy could not provide fully 3D, high-resolution images without using destructive sectioning. 3D X-ray microscopy, however, is a non-destructive 3D imaging method able to image submicron to the nanometer scale. X-rays’ inherent penetrative qualities along with its ability to not harm organic material are what allows for this to happen.

Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM)By employing a zone plate to focus the X-ray beam onto a specific and small area, STXM allows for analysis of wet samples. Specifically, STXM uses near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy as the contrast mechanism to produce an image. Samples that are in water pose issues when being imaged due to how various forms of light interact with water. X-rays are able to penetrate water and only interact with the sample. Another major advantage of STXM, as opposed to other similar transmission microscopy techniques, is that it inflicts relatively minimal damage to the actual material.

X-rays were discovered by professor Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895. While a professor of physics at the University of Würzurg, he was looking into how vacuum tubes would react to various forms of external stimuli. During the course of his studies, while working with a tube where an aluminum window was added to allow for a cathode ray to escape, the tube was covered with a cardboard box. This was meant to prevent any light from escaping however, during his experiments he noticed that the cathode rays caused a fluorescent effect on part of the cardboard that was painted with barium platinocyanide. Determined to satisfy his curiosity, Röntgen reconstructed his initial setup only this time using a black cardboard box and a thicker walled tube. Passing an electric charge through the tube with a coil, he turned off the lights of his lab to test that the cardboard box was indeed light proof. When he did this he noticed that the barium platinocyanide screen he was intending to use was shimmering. Immediately he speculated that it must be due to some sort of new type of ray that he temporarily labeled the “X-ray”. The X denoting that it was still unknown. For the next few days, Röntgen would spend every waking hour in his lab testing what was causing this glow. During his initial experiments, he produced the first image using X-rays, of his wife’s hand skeleton. When he showed it to her, she exclaimed that “I have seen my death!” Röntgen would go on to publish all his finding in a paper called, “On A New Kind of Rays” on December 28th, 1895. The radiation would be called Röntgen radiation, after Wilhelm Röntgen but would continue to also be known as X-rays.

X-ray microscopes offer any lab a powerful imaging tool, but acquiring one should not financially burden you. Excedr’s X-ray microscope leases give you the ability to avoid the large upfront cost of purchasing leaving you with more money. Our comprehensive repair and maintenance coverage give you one less thing to worry about so that you can focus on your work.

We Offer 3D X-Ray Microscope Leases to Fit Every Need

Operating Lease

This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional monetary savings.

Sale Leaseback

If you recently bought equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your device and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up money in your budget rather than tying it down to a fixed asset.

Effect on Credit & Operating Capital

Leasing/renting does not hinder your future borrowing ability and allows you to keep your business credit line open for expansions, staffing, and other operational expenses. Additionally, it strengthens the cash flow of your business and keeps cash reserves free for business development opportunities.

Used Equipment

Unlike traditional financing and leasing companies, the Excedr program can accommodate refurbished/reconditioned equipment in addition to demo units. If you are looking for additional cost-savings, we recommend considering this option.

Speed of Approval

Excedr’s program allows you to respond quickly as your need for equipment and technology arises. You can be approved with minimal documentation and have the equipment you need in operation and generating revenue for your business quickly.